More than 100 people gathered last Sunday at the Woodridge Congregational Church – United Church of Christ to celebrate the diversity of the Cranston community and give thanks for the many blessings we have received.

The service included readings, prayer, and spirited music in six different languages from combined choirs and musical traditions from Temple Sinai and the Woodridge church.

Other participants included: The Jerusalem Seventh Day Adventist (Haitian) Church, the First Korean Church of Rhode Island, St David’s on the Hill – Episcopal, The Edgewood United Church of Christ, Church of the Ascension – Episcopal, and the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church.

The service was an opportunity to celebrate the community’s diversity together in worship and to honor all faith traditions.

Host pastor Scott Spencer’s homily was based on a verse from the book of Jeremiah – “But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.”

The message stressed the importance of the evening’s gathering as a way to “live out” the spirit of the prophet’s words by celebrating cultural and religious diversity and lifting up deeper connections of faith.

Many left with enthusiasm to continue these kinds of activities and services in the future and others were looking ahead to next year’s community-wide Thanksgiving service.